Nearly three dozen Lakeside Avenue merchants will host the eighth annual Holly Jolly Christmas event Nov. 9-10, providing local shoppers with a signature kick-off event. Shoppers will be able to take free trolley rides to and from shops along the avenue from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10. Participating shops will stay open late, and many will offer special deals for holiday shoppers. All participating businesses also will have special containers to collect donations for the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad, the event's beneficiary.

On Nov. 10, Nutzy, the Richmond Flying Squirrels' mascot, will appear at the Lakeside Farmers' market from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and an antique car display will be held at the site of the Lakeside Community Christmas Tree, between Hilliard Road and Dumbarton Road. There also will be a "food truck court" at the Rescue Squad lot Nov. 10 with a variety of food options and live music.

Several civic groups will be selling hot chocolate and baked goods, and the farmers' market will be open both days, with special holiday vendors offering local produce, baked goods, jams, jellies and local handcrafts.